The Boston Celtics’ plans for the immediate future went up in flames as soon as Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles. Boston shipped off Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to duck the second apron, let Luke Kornet sign with the Spurs, and has no plans to bring back Al Horford.
The Celtics’ desire for long-term financial flexibility comes as no surprise. Holiday was owed more than $30 million annually for the next three seasons, and Porzingis was on an expiring contract, but he was coming off another injury-riddled season. This allows them to retool around Tatum when he returns in 2026, but the plan for next season remains unclear.
If Boston’s plan is to compete this year, then they have more work to do.
Boston has a very thin frontcourt rotation. They are projected to start Georges Niang, and the newly drafted Neemias Queta at the power forward and center spots, respectively. Niang is a defensive liability, and Queta was good in spurts last season but is largely unproven.
The Celtics did draft Amari Williams in the second round, but he needs time to develop his game. Asking him to fill a big role at the five spot this year is a tough ask.
Additionally, Boston is trying to flip newly acquired guard Anfernee Simons via trade. Simons is on an expiring $27.7 million deal, and he would fill some of the shot creation void that Tatum has left. Again, if the idea is to compete, then why are the Celtics still trying to shed even more salary?
The Celtics core still remains intact to make a run, but should they?
Boston still has Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard in tow next season. Brown is an All-NBA performer, White is one of the best two-way guards in the league, and Pritchard is coming off a career season as the reigning Sixth Man of the Year.
The Eastern Conference is in a weakened state, with the Pacers set to look significantly weaker without Tyrese Haliburton, the Bucks having a so-so supporting cast around Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Sixers having injury questions regarding their stars. The top of the East is not exactly filled with juggernauts, with the Cavs, Knicks, and Magic.
Boston has a chance to compete for the playoffs as currently constructed, but not for the championship aspirations they have had for the last several seasons. Being mediocre in today’s NBA is the worst place to be in, and the Celtics risk that if they decide to compete.
A key thing to monitor is this: the Celtics own their own first-round pick next year. A stacked class is on the horizon with AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Daryn Peterson as the headliners. They may be better off tanking to land a top young talent than trying to compete for a playoff spot in the East.
Boston will be one of the more intriguing teams to watch next season. It would not be surprising to see them be a dark horse in the East, but it would also not be surprising to see them throw in the towel and tank. They have to decide which direction they want to go in and soon so they can be fully prepared for Tatum’s return.
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July 21, 2025 | 11:00 am
